51 43 090 Removing and installing/replacing light strip in side trim panel

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 21 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 328xi, 2013 BMW 328i, 2012 BMW 328xi, 2012 BMW 328i, and 2011 BMW 328xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove Side Trim Panel
If necessary, remove LED

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage

Handle light strip with care.

Do not Knock fibre optic cables.

Release locking washers (1) on sound insulation (2) and remove sound insulation (2).

Fig 1: Locking Washers And Sound Insulation

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position new light strip on side trim panel (2) and mark welding spots (1) to be opened.

Drill out welding spots (1).

NOTE: Only drill down to door trim panel area so as not to damage the contact surface.

Feed light strip out of side trim panel (2).

Remove all remnants of plastic from contact surfaces of side trim panel (2).

Fig 2: Side Trim Panel And Welding Spots

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Carefully feed light strip in area (1) into side trim panel.

Push welding pins (3) through holes into side trim panel and secure with locking washers (2).

Shorten welding pins (3) down to measurement (A).

A = 3 mm

Fig 3: Welding Pins, Welding Pins, Measurement Area (A) And Locking Washers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.